Rupp Arena Designers Seek Public Input

Lexingtonians will have two chances this week to comment on a proposal to create a 46-acre Rupp Arena Arts & Entertainment District downtown. Former UK faculty member and master planner for the Rupp Arena project Gary Bates is set to discuss his ideas and take comments from the public at a meeting at 6 PM Wednesday night at the Lexington Children's Theatre. Bates will also attend a Q&A session with downtown merchants and property owners Thursday at 1:30 PM at Buster's.

Among the ideas presented at previous meetings: a 4000-seat outdoor amphitheatre, building a new Lexington Center, and converting the Cox Street parking lot into a park. The Rupp Arena Task Force is expected to release its final report as early as January 2012.